High-Quality Rice Seeds to Support Local Farmers and Boost Domestic Production

 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) continues to strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s rice industry through the distribution of high-quality rice seeds to local farmers, supporting increased domestic production and advancing national food and nutrition security. The distribution ceremony was held on Saturday 10^th October, 2026, at the Central Experiment Station, Centeno, as part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to revitalise and modernise the local rice industry.

Delivering the feature address, Senator the Honourable Ravi Ratiram, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, underscored the importance of increasing domestic rice production, noting that approximately 90 per cent of the rice available for consumption in Trinidad and Tobago is imported, stating, “Increasing local rice production is therefore an important step towards reducing our vulnerability to external shocks and strengthening our food security”.

Minister Ratiram emphasised that the success of the seed distribution initiative would ultimately depend on translating the assistance provided into productive acreage, healthy crops and successful harvests. He also highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to supporting farmers throughout the production process, including improved access to water, effective drainage, suitable machinery and affordable agricultural inputs.

Addressing the challenges posed by climate change and unpredictable weather patterns, the Minister pointed to the commencement of operations of a six inch mobile pump at the Guayamare River in Caroni on Tuesday 6^th October, 2026, as a practical intervention to improve water access for rice farmers.

“Water security is agricultural security, and effective coordination is essential to strengthening production and improving our national food security,” he stated, while expressing appreciation to the Honourable Barry Padarath, Minister of Public Utilities and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) for their collaboration.

Also delivering remarks at the ceremony were Dr. Michelle Mellowes, Chief Technical Officer (Ag.), MAF; Mr. Ian Mohammed, Director (Ag.), Research Division, MAF; and Dr. Tricia Melville, Head of the GIS Unit, MAF, who highlighted the importance of supporting local rice production and the farming community. Mr. Fazal Akaloo, rice farmer, also delivered remarks on behalf of the farming community, expressing appreciation to the Ministry for its continued support and engagement with farmers in advancing the development of the local rice industry.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries remains committed to empowering local farmers, expanding domestic food production and building a resilient agricultural sector that contributes to Trinidad and Tobago’s long-term food security. Through initiatives such as the Revitalisation and Modernisation of the Rice Industry Project, the Ministry continues to work towards reducing reliance on food imports while creating greater opportunities for local agricultural producers.

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